10 Teacher Gifts with Meaning & Mission

$13.30

Easy-peasy timer for keeping the whole classroom — or a particular student — on task. Just turn the cube to the number of minutes in your countdown (1, 5, 10, or 15), and it will automatically begin. A digital timer on the bottom shows the amount of time left. When time is up, an unmistakable alarm will sound. It runs on AA batteries (not included, so make sure you pick some up on your own!).

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Colored pencils ($3.49)

The best teacher wants to provide students with the things they need to succeed. This gift helps better outfit your child’s classroom and eliminate out-of-pocket teacher costs, plus it helps children in need. For each item purchased, Yoobi donates an item to an underserved classroom in the United States so that more children can experience the joy of learning and creativity.

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$17.96

According to the authors of this book, “The Nurtured Heart Approach puts a refreshing spin on both parenting and teaching and reveals new techniques and strategies that create thoroughly positive behaviors.” The strategies described here help shift an intense child to a cooperative one who uses his or her intensity in positive, rather than negative, ways. A worthwhile read for any educator dedicated to bringing out the best in every student.

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$21.99

These candles make an ideal and easy gift for the teacher with a heart as big as the globe: 20% of proceeds are used to fund meals and staff for “carepoints” in Uganda, where children who have lost their parents, or whose parent is unable to fully provide for them, can have a hot meal each day.

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$14.99

Kids need to move. Research shows that physical activity improves focus and behavior, a true gift to any educator. And this gift can help your child’s teacher provide movement opportunities for squirmy students without disrupting the day’s lessons. Just wrap this bouncy band around the front of a standard desk and it gives students something to do with their legs while they sit — a movement opportunity that doesn’t disturb others!

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$28

Teachers love jewelry that also makes their students smile. Alex and Ani do more than that by giving 20 percent of each purchase of their Little Brown Bear Bangle to the Child Mind Institute, an organization dedicated to transforming mental health care for children everywhere.

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$19.99

This calendar calls itself “The best agenda day planner to help you achieve your goals, plus increase productivity and passion and happiness.” To that end, it includes a gratitude journal, mind map section, vision board, and bonus stickers.” That’s a lot for the money. It’ll help keep your favorite teacher organized in the New Year, whether in school or in regular life.

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Prices vary

Fifty percent of every purchase from Laughing Man Coffee and Tea goes back to Laughing Man Worldwide — founded by adoptive father Hugh Jackman to support educational and business development initiatives for coffee farmers and their families. For $12.99 for a 16-count box, give your child’s teacher Dukale's blend coffee to enjoy during the cold months ahead and to support sustainable farming.

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$12.02

Your kid’s teacher is up late, grading papers and worrying about her students. Help her rest easier with this lavender sleep lotion, which promotes relaxation and restful sleep. Pair this gift with Laughing Man coffee to help her begin each day bright-eyed and ready to make magic.

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Prices vary

MiiR offers insulated water bottles, growlers, and canisters featuring clean, modern lines in a range of cheerful colors. For each bottle purchased, one person in need receives clean water. For each MiiR bottle purchased, another is donated. If she’s going to drink all that coffee, surely your child’s teacher could use another water bottle.

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